Top 10 Violent Movies

Some movies feature intense violence that really stays with us after the final credits stop rolling. These films use dark intensity, and the most primitive instincts of man, to grab our attention and make us think. Here is our list of top ten violent films –

10. Kill Bill (Vols. 1 & 2)

Quentin Tarantino directed these films with his usual gusto, casting Uma Thurman as the Bride, a vengeful former member of the Deadly Assassination Squad. When The Bride’s ex-lover, Bill, betrays her, turning her wedding day into a scene of epic bloodshed, The Bride vows revenge. These films display Tarantino’s excellent grasp of cinematic pacing, as well as slick, creative martial arts scenes that amp up the visual impact. The first film, and its equally grisly sequel, featured a dizzying pace of violence and aggression, as The Bride continues her quest for the only thing she wants – to kill Bill.

9. Rambo (2008)

John Rambo went back into action in this riveting, blood-soaked action film. Rambo had decided to live a quiet, peaceful life in Thailand, but his conscience led him to assist Christian missionaries as they attempted to aid the Karen people of Burma. The whole Burmese region was a war-torn powder keg of crime, murder, and injustice, and Rambo could no longer look the other way. He took the missionaries upriver to Burma, in his own boat, and they had little idea what bloodshed and horror awaited them there. Rambo tried to protect them, in his own, inimitable fashion. The river journey echoed Heart of Darkness, with its ominous sense of doom, and the battle scenes were harsh and realistic.

8. Saving Private Ryan

Steven Spielberg is a master, able to develop characters and create impact within any context. When he directed Saving Private Ryan, his genius was at its peak. His depictions of the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6th, 1944, will go down in history for their gritty realism. As usual, Spielberg tempered the terrible violence that the infantry suffered as they fought for the Allies with a sensitive storyline that made us care about the characters. Excellent casting and superb acting made this very violent film resonate with all of us.

7. Kingdom of Heaven

The bloodshed and brutality of the Crusades is the backdrop in Ridley Scott’s epic adventure film, Kingdom of Heaven. A simple blacksmith, played by Orlando Bloom, finds out his father is a Knight, who is traveling on horseback to Jerusalem. His father invites him to go on the quest, but Bloom’s character, Balian, refuses. Only after Balian kills a village priest does he agree to go along. Eventually, Balian becomes a protector of Jerusalem, fighting against the Saracen king, Saladin, and his strong army. Ridley Scott creates a visually dazzling world full of swordfights and hand-to-hand combat, set within the Holy Land itself.

6. Natural Born Killers

Mickey and Mallory don’t kill for profit, or politics: they do it because it feels good. In Natural Born Killers, the male/female duo, played by Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, begin a gruesome killing spree, down Route 666, as their sociopathic desires drive them onward. As Mickey and Mallory continue to kill, they become a media sensation. This dark, satiric film, directed by Oliver Stone, aims the spotlight at America’s unhealthy fascination with crime, murder, and serial killers.

5. War Of The Worlds

Steven Spielberg attempted to faithfully capture the vision and genius of H.G. Well’s novel (The War Of The Worlds) in this tense, taut film. The terror, indecision, and even selfishness, of humankind were underscored as the aliens began their massive invasion of the planet. Tom Cruise did an excellent job in this film, playing a character who grew and matured into a protector and a hero, from more immature beginnings. The gory violence and dripping blood that seemed to pervade this film was frightening and disturbing. In fact, some critics and moviegoers were shocked at how very dark this film was.

4.) Troy

Helen Of Troy is best known in myth and history as “the face that launched a thousand ships”. Her beauty brought forth the passion in Paris, the Prince of Troy. By giving into his love for Helen, who was married to King Menelaus, and taking her to Troy, Paris set an epic battle in motion. The forces of King Menelaus and his powerful, royal brother amassed to seek revenge. In this film, legions of Greeks and Trojans fell to their deaths as the two armies fought for dominance. This long, involved tale also featured Brad Pitt and Eric Bana as hunky soldiers (Achilles and Prince Hector). Girly Orlando Bloom played Paris, The Prince of Troy.

3. Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Return Of The King – Return of the King begins with the search for Mordor. Frodo and Sam use the Gollum to guide them, and the relationship between the two Hobbits suffers accordingly. Sam does not trust the Gollum, and Frodo seems to grow ever closer to the strange creature. In time, Frodo faces the true nature of the Gollum and hurls him into a crevasse. From these tense beginnings, Return of The King becomes an even darker quest, as our heroes attempt to reach Mount Doom. Many battles and many fierce creatures await the Hobbits as they face betrayal, great armies of bloodthirsty Orcs, and the power of the Ring.

2. Gladiator

This film was a triumph, a perfect blending of plot, atmosphere, action and dimensional characters. Director Ridley Scott created an eerie, ethereal atmosphere in the opening battle sequence, with amazing cinematography and stunning realism. Russell Crowe brought a rugged, believable quality to his portrayal of Maximus. As well, a stellar performance by Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus, the bitter, jealous son of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, was a highlight of this violent spectacle.

1. 300

The director of 300, Zak Snyder, also directed the remake of Dawn Of The Dead in 2004. His experience in the horror genre was put to good use during this adaptation of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s graphic novel. Bloody combat and the war cry of “Sparta” were the heart of this film, which told the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, in 480 B.C. Gerard Butler displayed his range as he portrayed the King of Sparta, who leads his army against the advancing Persians. This role represented a real change from past roles he played, such as The Phantom Of The Opera. In 300, epic bloodshed is the price that must be paid for a more democratic future.

You've got to be kidding me. This appears to be the 'top 10 violent movies' written by someone who has only seen endless-budget Hollywood schlock produced in the last 10-15 years. There isn't even one horror movie or slasher flick on here, which by far glorify the violence and put a voyeuristic spin on it than any action movie. One that trumps each and every film on this list that comes to the top of my head, "Dead Alive". Start with THAT as a basis, and get 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'War Of the Worlds' off this thing. Violent movies? Sure. Top 10? Hardly breaking the ice.

Honestly burnout how budget flick do you want to go? Some obscure film that 1000 people have seen? What would be the point in a list of the most violent horror films. An impossible task. Maybe the most violent film ever was made by a 16 year old down the street. Pointless being on the list if the general public hasnt and never will see it. The only Dead Alive on imdb is from 1916. Rewatch Rambo. A great and violent film.

Man… I've seen a lot of bad spellings on internet and learnt to go with them but… Who the hell is Saliden? Wouldn't you mean Saladin? Do you call JFK Jonathan F.ing Killbill? Come on, this is a site with somewhat good fame, check your spellings next time or google things you don't know.

This site is for entertainment purposes, so sometimes we make mistakes. Let us know an we will correct them. I promise. But, please be kind and respectful and remember we are doing our best. I have corrected the innocent typo. Heather, I absolve you of all guilt. Peace be with you.

how about 'irreversible'….fire extinguiser scene, or john woos 'the killer.' i get that the list has to be accessible to the masses but there are alot more violent movies than some of the ones that made it onto this list. Robocop, scarface, the godfather, numerous horror movies, i dunno endless list i suppose but anyone reading this list should check out that scene in irreversible…brutal..good movie tho

This is a decent list in my opinion. Sure, the slasher genre is full of gore and violence, but it's normally violence for violence' sake. This list does showcase movies that are interesting AND violent. I'd swap a couple for Scarface, Gremlins and the Godfather series because those movies all took violence to a new level within mainstream movies. The Patriot, Glory, and The Passion of the Christ could have made this list, too. The Passion's violence actually inspired a murder CONFESSION – now that's making your mark!!!

This list is not what i expected. I thought it would list a lot of horror movies, like scream, saw, halloween, but what i see is a lot of collosal movie. I think a lot of dead people in the scene does not implay violence.

Umm worst list ever… For starters you have 2 movies at number 10… and 3 at number 3 so really you have 13 movies there…

Secondly it is the worst list of violent movies ever period and I am talking mainstream or otherwise.

Fightclub, matrix, wrong turn, halloween, friday the 13th, and any number of crappy horror films and action films that come out ever year are more violent then most on that list… I think if you consider those movies violent, then you should probably not watch other things like your national News and current event shows because even they would be more violent then those movies you have listed…

Heather, don't let it get you down. You are one of the best writers toptenz.net has the privilege of working with. It is easier to criticize than praise. These top 10 lists are only meant for entertainment purposes and to get people thinking and talking.

Oh and using the argument "most people haven't seen those films" is just a very weak out. You could make a list of top ten kids films and I, as a 30 year old guy without kids, would certainly say – "Nah, not seen any of those"…

If you want to make a proper list poll for some advice, go rent those films, watch them and then make a list. Have fun 🙂

Yes, these were my picks 🙂 I tried to write about them as well as I could and to justify my choices. Even while completing the list I knew there would be repercussions because it would impossible to please everyone.

Hi Jon. Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to check out Dead Alive. The mixture of ridiculousness and gruesome violence sounds intriguing. I got the same feelings from The Hills Have Eyes. I was laughing out loud at the absurdity of the whole thing, but I still had to cover my eyes sometimes 😉

Starship Troopers will never appear on any of my lists, unless it's a list of movies I HATE (lol). My husband loves action schlock, and he's forced me to watch the film way too many times. I fail to appreciate the horrible, wooden acting of Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards (yes, I know she's really hot). It's like a really subpar Saturday morning cartoon. 🙂 I know I'll be forced to watch it AGAIN the next time it shows up on TV.

Yes, there's no shortage of violence in our "global village", is there?

A Clockwork Orange was an absolutely brilliant novel. I believe I memorized all the particulars of the character's speech (real horrorshow, pretty polly) while going through my "dark" phase in high school LOL. The movie was excellent and very disturbing. There was real menace and real meanness. So yes, it might have been more psychological in some ways, but it was definitely very violent and provocative.

Uh, I beg to differ on your entry for #5. Calling War of the Worlds violent is like saying Rosie O'Donnell shies away from red meat. Not only is it one of the most non-violent movies in the history of cinema, but it's thrown together haphazardly by Spielberg in an attempt to fatten his already bulbous wallet.

well, the aliens put the humans in that extractor thing – a juicer, if you will 🙂 That seemed violent to me 🙂 But thanks for your comments, I always enjoy the feedback, good or bad (well, within reason 😉

Good list! One that I still remember even tho I haven't seen it in a long time was Assault on Firebase Gloria. It made an impression. I think your top ten is good for non-horror mainstream movies. There are just so many good ones; maybe we need a top 100!

Watch a few George A Romero movies and you would change this list. A few more that I have seen that I personaly think should of been on here are. Hellraiser 1-3, 28 day later, Friday the 13th, the thing, aliens, ect ect. I could go on but you get the idea. For the guys watch the movie "Teeth" you will have nightmares for a week.

This is not a bad list, i am a fan of lord of the rings too so dont listen to chucc :p a few movies that i think could have been added are "high tension" and "ichi the killer". and also as someone already said, the fire extinguisher scene from irreversible takes alot to sit thru…..lol i will watch dead alive after reading these comments, hope it doesnt let me down!

Hey great list but i think you forgot Bambi (the scene where bambi's mother dies is really violent!) and E.T (the scene in which e.t is dying is so horrific!). I was also surprised The Sound of Music and It's a Wonderful Life not included on the list, each could easily be considered the goriest movies of all time in their own right…………NAW just kidding! But seriously, terrible list.

Update this list and add My Bloody Valentine. That dude kills all kinds of people, and even BasketCase that old movie with Balow or however you spell it, But i do believe Kill bill shuld be up there since they had to make it black and white Which i'm still mad at, It's Okay to cut off a few limbs, but cutting off alot in a short amount of time shuld be censored. Theres better choices I just dont know that many, probably would have to do research (alot of time & Popcorn LOL), and did you just post these bcuz of the clips available? if so nice job still

Way too many recent blockbusters, not enough classics. Not one Arnold movie? Not even the terminator or Total recall? And First Blood, parts one and two are arguably superior to Rambo. I’m sorry my friend, but if its pg-13, it isn’t violent.

the most violent film in history is cannibal holocaust. it combines authentic and fake "FX" imagery so well that you dont know when the gore is real. well you do. obviously they wouldnt show actual people being cut up and eaten in what i can only describe as horrific footage. there are various animal killings. some for food, some for fun. but the worst aspect is the sheer brutality of the film. just as apocalypse now shows martin sheens decent into darkness this film portrays the film makers as anarchic killers, who venture into the endless amazon jungle to execute and torture as many tribesmen as possible in order to "win an oscar." this site is a joke.

"The" Gollum? It's his name, hon, not his species or something. Just "Gollum". Humour a Lord of the Rings geek here will ya?

Anyway, I think this would be better titled "Top Ten Violent Family Films" or even "Top Ten Violent Films That Most Ten-Year-Olds Have Seen". The really violent films are not so well known, and they certainly aren't summer blockbusters. They are truly horrific, honey. Even reading the summaries would mess you up for days. There are movies out there filled with stuff you can't even imagine. Cannibal Holocaust is one, "Salo" is another. DON'T watch it, don't attempt to watch it, don't even watch a clip of it. The really violent films are highly controversial, sometimes banned, and only a handful of people can bear to even watch them. You obviously have no knowledge of this type of film, which is good for your mental health but bad when you try to write an informative list. I'd say do your research in future, but with a topic like this it's not a good idea. Just maybe be a little less ambitious with your titles next time?

Nobody here a Tarentino fan? Reservoir Dogs is much worse than Kill Bill, the violence is much more cold blooded and realistic as in you could see this sort of thing happening. None of the movies on your list do. I agree with most of the comments, none of the movies on your list even made me wince once. Top Ten Violent Family Friendly Movies it is. Look, if you're going to write a Top 10 List that sounds like it is authoritative then you should at least be something of an authority! Every one of the movies on your list is something I would have no trouble finding at Blockbuster. Trust me, I have no interest in ever cruising your video/DVD library. However some of the commenters…well I'd love to exchange some tapes with some of you.

This should have been titled Top 10 Most Violent Movies Seen By Heather Matthews Who Doesn't Like Violent Movies or Top 10 Violent Movies For People Who Don't Watch This Kinda Stuff

Why the hell isnt Braveheart on this list? thats hailed as one of the most violent movies of all time…the numerous battle scenes are so gory and blood-ridden im surprised its not at least number 3 on this list if not higher!

great list! but "clockwork orange" is actually "A clockwork orange" so it would start with an A. (i really debated on even sending this. im not trying to be mean… just thought i should point it out ) have a good day!

Lord of the Rings? That movie trilogy was bloodless and the author clearly either didn't see the movie or wasn't paying attension. Gollum is not thrown into the volcano by Frodo. Gullom was consumed literally and thematically by his greed and his pursuit of the ring.

Mike, if you read the lord of the rings trilogy, or even watch the movie, u will see that gollum is thrown into mt doom by frodo. there is no alternative. yes, gollum was consumed by the ring but thats not why he died…..frodo killed him. threw him into the lava……it happened in the movie and the book….what were u watching/reading? dont ppl have better things to do than badmouth other ppls opinions?? the only opinions worth badmouthing are religious ones…….sorry to anybody religious out there….my advice, watch the movie zeitgeist or zeitgeist: addendum. better still watch both. the venus project = something worth spending time on. a bit of a speel there, sorry ppl.

What movie and book did you read? Gollum tumbled into Mount Doom after getting his ring back. He's dancing around while Frodo is sprawled out on the ground clutching his newly fingerless hand. You should be really embarrassed for yourself.

If there's one thing you have accomplished with this list is, after 9 months since being published, it's still being discussed!

I agree with Rambo & Saving Private Ryan. Both pretty violent flicks. However, since you are not a fan of horror, you have missed out on some great films. George A. Romero Dead films, especially 1968's Night of the Living Dead and 1978's Dawn of the Dead, are not only violent & gory, but are also classics. They comment on the state of the world in the times they were made; "Night" racism & government distrust, "Dawn" on consumerism & social status. In fact, Night of the Living Dead has been included the US Library of Congress as a film worthy of preservation.

I am not fan of the so-called "torture" films, like Saw and Hostel. Not that I can't stomach the violence. It just doesn't provide a visceral thrill for me. But if you are interested in more mainstream films, I would suggest Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket or Stone's Platoon. It has the most horrific violence of all…human-on-human.

This is a good list, based on your personal preferences. But as you can see, the horror fanboys have come out of the woodwork for this one.

I am closing comments on this list. I believe we can all agree that this list was targeted to more mainstream movies and there are certainly more violent movies than those presented in the list. These list are for fun and debate. Certainly, at 101 comments, we can also agree that this list has been one of the most debated on this site. Thanks to Heather for writing this list and responding to many of the commenters, those who were polite and some who were not. Thanks to all of the commenters who gave their time and their opinions. Toptenz wouldn't be half has good without you.